Words: Shannon-Lee Sloane – The Colourful Writer
Rock Beats Depression.
Rock beats in our hearts. Rock keeps our hearts beating… Music soothes the soul. Music heals. Sometimes writing and playing music is what heals us. Sometimes listening to it is what soothes us. Sometimes going out to see live music helps get us off the couch and out for a night of freedom and fun. Sometimes just putting your headphones on and tuning out to the chaos of the world is the only thing that keeps our moods high. Music is a true blessing to us all, and using it to help raise funds for a worthy cause is just another example of how wonderful the power of music truly is.
Rock Beats Depression is Brisbane’s annual local music festival that focuses on mental health. Raising awareness and funds to support charities and organisations that support mental health and help those in need. Beyond Blue, Headspace and Black Dog Institute are the three organisations that organiser and promoter, Caity Kuhnemann has chosen to donate the hard-earned funds to that her festival, Rock Beats Depression raises each year.
The festival has been steadily growing, and last year raised a whopping $8000 to donate between the three charities. That is a huge achievement and something to be incredibly proud of. We asked Caity to tell us a little about the event and where it all started.
“Rock Beats Depression started back in 2019 with the idea to raise funds and awareness for mental health,” she explained. “This year’s RBD is being held at the Mansfield Tavern on the 5th of November. There are over 30 bands playing over 3 stages. We have raffles that are donated to the cause from local businesses. This also helps with extra funding toward each charity.
I had the idea to start Rock Beats Depression as at the time I didn’t see many other events like it. Being a musician myself I saw that bringing people together through art and expression was a great way to bring awareness to mental health. I have known a lot of artistically minded friends who struggle a lot with mental health and wanted to combine the two. I have also struggled with my own demons for many years and feel so strongly about supporting these charities that put so much work into their resources and support.”
This year, the festival features over 30 bands across three stages at the iconic Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane. The Manny is by far one of the biggest homes of ROCK in Brisbane. For many moons this venue has seen more bands play loud and proud than you can poke a stick at! The energy and magic of gigs gone by lingers through the building and seeps out of the walls the minute you enter the place; a perfect host for an event as important as Rock Beats Depression.
Jimmy Robertson from the Mansfield Tavern gave us his thoughts on hosting Rock Beats Depression:
“We are thrilled to welcome back Caity & her team for another year of the Rock Beats Depression music festival,” he enthused. “after a successful 2021 edition helping to raise over $8k for their nominated charities, Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue & Headspace.
We love a good 3 stage, full day takeover music event here at the Manny Tav and this one feels even better knowing we can do our bit to help support the RBD team to raise funds and continue to raise awareness towards mental health issues.
With over 30 acts donating their art to entertain & countless volunteers donating their time to make sure things run smoothly, it’s hard to not be inspired to get involved with this event & hopefully go one step further in 2022 & raise $10k+”
The stacked line up for 2022 includes:
Hammers
Pistonfist
The Glycereens
RIGHTEOUS
Gutterfire
Göatzilla
Swamp Gully Howlers
Tailor Made Rejects
Deadyet?
Collins Class
THE AUTOMATON
Tracey Hammell Music
Krave
Ruination
The Wretched Creatures
Serial Killer Dinner Party
John Scott
Monsters Up North
Blackcreek Band
Cool Coda
Commonside
Mermaid Avenue
The Final Fall
Kentucky Green
Pugnacious
Punktilious
Fidel A Go Go
Young Griffo
Flint – band
Eagle
Jett
Unsound Advice
Crosstown Rivals
DAMIEN
Support live music, support local music, support local music venues, support charities that support mental health, do it all! With Rock Beats Depression! This Saturday, November 5 at the Mansfield Tavern – tickets on sale now via Oztix HERE or at the door.
